Port of Call Sitka, Alaska

Celebrity Mercury at anchor in Sitka Sound, Alaska. Cruise ships anchor in the Eastern Channel of the Sitka Sound and tender passengers into O’Connell Bridge or Crescent Harbor in town. Alternatively ships may berth at the Old Sitka dock (also called Halibut Point Marine dock) located 6 miles north west of Sitka.

Sitka Shore Excursions

St Michael’s Cathedral For over 50 years before Alaska was sold by the Russians to the US for $7.2million in 1867, Sitka was the Russian capital of Alaska (called New Archangel at the time). St Michael’s Cathedral was built in 1844-48, and is a fine example of Russian church architecture. Though destroyed by fire in 1966, the church has been rebuilt to its original design, and houses an interesting collection of Russian Orthodox church art and icons.

Russian Bishop's House The Russian Bishop’s House was built in 1842 and was the regional seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. The house, in a terrible state of dilapidation was acquired by the National Park Service in 1973 and renovated to restore its mid 19th century appearance.

Sitka Historical Museum The Sitka Historical Museum (also known as the Isabel Miller Museum) is a great place to get an overview of Sitka’s rich history. See a wide variety of exhibits covering the town’s Tlingit, Russian and American history. A visitor favorite is the huge model of Sitka as it was in 1867.

Gavan Hill Trail Many exciting hiking trails in the area are only accessible by boat or floatplane. But the easily accessible Gavan Hill Trail gives you a real taste for Alaska’s wilderness. It’s a 7 mile strenuous round trip to the summit, and your exertions are rewarded with some wonderful views of Sitka Sound. (Or you can turn back at the hill ridge, to cut the mileage to 4). The trailhead is at the end of Baranof Street, which heads inland off Lincoln St.

Sitka National Historical Park Sitka National Historical Park (also known as Totem park) sits on the site of an Tlingit Indian fort. The Aleut and Tlingit tribes fought several battles against the incoming Russians in the early 19th century. A pleasant meandering coastal trail passes many intricately carved totem poles. Housed in the park visitor center you’ll find the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center which showcases native crafts like totem carving and beadwork. The park is a mile south-east from the city center.